What sort of man was George Orwell? DJ Taylor's biography is a deep study of an often surprising figure. And I ask, what are the conditions for our best thinking? Simon McCarthy-Jones' new book, Free Thinking, turns a critical eye to the malevolent forces which seek to control our thoughts.

Orwell: The New Life by DJ Taylor is published by Constable.

Free Thinking: Protecting freedom of thought amidst the new battle for the mind by Simon McCarthy-Jones is published by Oneworld.

This episode was recorded in London, England by Susan Gordon. You can read a transcript of the episode on her website: https://ampereworks.weebly.com/the-culture-boar-podcast.html

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